Days and Hours Open 

Thursday – 9 am to 6 pm
Friday – 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday – 9 am to 4 pm
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Closed

Call us at (269) 244-5690 or check for updates on our website: www.coreylakeorchards.com
It’s a zany time on the farm right now!  With the late summer heat, we have an abundance of zinnias and zucchini!

This Saturday you will not want to miss our Walking Tour and Flower Power Picking Experience!  Join Sue as she walks you through and describes the various flora in our six gardens.  You’ll also be picking flowers for a bouquet to take home.  (see details below).

Take time for a little fun with our special events, buying summer produce in bulk to process for off-season eating, selecting fresh produce for this week’s menus from a wide variety of possibilities, and enjoying our homemade / locally produced baked goods, grocery items, gifts, and alcohol products.  And summer seems to be going so fast!

We have so many fruit and vegetable options to choose from this week that shopping will be a challenge!  Give yourself extra time to make your choices or just take some of everything!  We look forward to seeing you soon!
The focus is starting to change from hanging out in the lake to getting ready for another school year.  And so we say goodbye this week to Blake, one of our college students, who is headed back to MSU.  He is a sophomore this year, and has a dual major in music education and music performance.  Blake is joining the Spartan marching band this Fall and practice starts now.  While enjoying MSU football, watch for the tall, tuba player.  We are very proud of him and will miss him dearly!

Luckily, our other two students are attending college closer by at WMU and will still be working with us!
Upcoming Special Activities
(see newsletter below for more information) 

  • Alcohol Sampling, Saturday, July 27, 11 am to 1 pm
  • Walking Tour and Flower Power Experience, Saturday, July 27, 9 am to Noon
  • Yoga, Saturday, July 27, 10:30-11:30 am
  • Lavender Paint and Sip, Thursday, Aug. 1, 3:30-5:30 pm
  • Alcohol Sampling, Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 am to 1 pm
  • Yoga, Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11:30 am
  • Blueberry picking, flower picking, herb picking – daily during business hours
Produce Update
Keep in mind that our seasonal produce is ripening several weeks ahead of schedule this year due to our warmer than usual weather.  Please watch our newsletter for updates so you don’t miss your favorite fruits and vegetables!

Jersey Mac Apples
We are now picking our Jersey Mac apples.  These are a summer variety so they are softer than fall apples and need to be refrigerated as they will only keep several weeks.  They are slightly tart and taste like a McIntosh apple.  They have smooth, semi-thin green skin with a red blush.  They make great applesauce and are a nice, seasonally fresh apple to eat in July!
Early Bartlett Pears
We are picking our early Bartlett pears.  They are picked green, you need to lay them out in a cool, dark place to ripen.  Sold by the quart and quarter-peck.  Regular Bartlett pears are in season starting possibly mid-August; watch the newsletter for updates or call (269-244-5690) to place an order for large canning quantities.

Sweet Corn
It is now in season.  We sell it by the ear, half dozen, dozen, and 5-dozen bushels.  We try to keep a few bushels on hand, but if you can call in advance that helps us to have it ready for you.
Green Beans, Pickling Cukes, and Peppers – Bulk Quantities
If you need vegetables in bulk for canning, freezing, etc. please call the market for pricing and to preorder.  269-244-5690.  We grow several types of peppers for processing – bell (and variations in color), yellow banana, hot Hungarian, and jalapeno.  They are sold in half bushels and bushels; peppers are also available by the peck (quarter bushel).

Canning Tomatoes – Bulk Quantities
While we wait for our field tomatoes to start, we are taking preorders for canning tomatoes.  There will also be a limited supply of Romas available.  Tomatoes will be available in bushels and half bushels, prices are TBD.  We expect the canning tomato season to run through August, though keep in mind that crops are starting and ending earlier this year.

Peaches
As many of you already know, there will be no peaches in SW Michigan this year due to the weather.  For much of Michigan, December through February was the warmest on record.  Then two cold air masses came in mid and late January, followed by unusually warm temperatures.  Sensitive crops such as peaches were damaged

So, we are busy checking with peach growers in other areas of Michigan as well as out of state to find some soon for our market.  Watch our newsletter and website for updates.  We know how everyone enjoys a fresh peach!
Blueberry Update
We have already picked blueberries on the market from our long-term supplier, Brookside Farms.  They are available by the pint, quart, 5-pound box, and 10-pound box.

We also have a small u-pick blueberry field open when the market is open.  Our small field is mainly a place where you can bring your family for a berry picking experience and leave with a few to take home.  We are now on our second and last variety which is “Jersey”.  This is a smaller berry which takes a bit longer to pick.

If you are looking to pick a quantity to make pies, jam, freeze, etc. we recommend you contact Brookside Farms in Paw Paw.  They have many acres of u-pick blueberries and are very family oriented.  Call them at (269) 657-3500 or check their Facebook page for updates.
Enjoy the many blueberry products available on the market.  And this is the time of year to make those blueberry pancakes!  Just add fresh blueberries to your pancake batter.

We also like to add a bit of vanilla added to the batter, then grill and top with butter and a sprinkling of granulated sugar.  It’s almost like having a dessert!  Blueberry pancakes are also very good topped with maple syrup from Maple Row Sugarhouse and made using their pancake mix.
Special Flower Power Garden Tour
Join Us for a Special Walking Tour and Flower Power Picking Experience this Saturday, July 27
–Walking tour of our six flower gardens
–Tours start every hour  – 9, 10, 11, and 12
–$15 per person, leave with more knowledge and a lovely bouquet

Check in at the market first, then meet Sue by the pollinator garden.

  • Please wear appropriate shoes as you will walk hilly and uneven terrain to learn about, and select flowers, from several areas.
  • Keep in mind that flowers will keep better when picked earlier in the day when it is cooler.
  • Please bring a vase and scissors if you can.

We have several flower gardens near the market area, and they are at their peak right now.  Tour a display of annuals and perennials, in varying colors, shapes, and sizes including an abundance of zinnias.  See some of our flower photos here.
Sue will discuss:

  • The proper way to pick a flower
  • How to care for fresh cut flowers
  • Ideas for choosing flowers for a bouquet
  • Ideas for types of flowers to plant in your own garden
  • Answers to your flower gardening questions

Sue is a flower enthusiast, creates the many flower arrangements planted in pots and antiques around the market areas, and is a member of the Three Rivers Garden Club.
Here are some of the flower arrangements that we made today while we were organizing for the”flower power” tour for this weekend.  We had so much fun, finding different vases and creating these, and we think you will, too!  By the way, these arrangements will be for sale this weekend.
Lavender Watercolor Paint and Sip – Encore Class
Our last class was sold out, so we have added a second one!

Register for our “Lavender Watercolor Paint and Sip”
Thursday, August 1 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm 
Cost is $39 per person, we will be calling you for a nonrefundable prepayment by credit card prior to the class.
Leave with a set of floral notecards to use or frame!  

Relax in the Michigan summer shade with an all-materials-included class and two favorites – lavender and watercolor!  Great for beginner artists or those who want to relax and play.  We will be using simple watercolor techniques to create a series of notecards!  You’ll leave with at least three 5″X7″ watercolor greeting cards (and envelopes) which you can frame, give away, or mail!  Taught by Kalamazoo artist Anna Barnhart.

Hard ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available as well as snack items while you work!

Open to adults and students 16 and over.  Class size is limited so register now!
Registration:  Please call the market (269-244-5690) to register or use the link below to reserve your space. (If registering through Facebook, press and hold, versus clicking the link.)

Registration link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AAA82FA0FDCE9-50166226-whimsical

August 1 is National Girlfriends Day so grab your bestie and sign up to do the class together!

Here are photos from our recent Lavender Paint and Sip class.  Through Anna’s guided instruction, you will leave with a quality product!
 What is on the Market
Apples – Jersey Mac and Lodi (few left), early summer varieties

Blueberries – pints, quarts, 5- and 10-pound boxes

Bartlett Pears – early variety, sold in quarts and quarter pecks

Melons – from Indiana, great flavor!

Bankson Lake Produce
Fresh spring vegetables: Just Lettuce, Spicy Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula, head lettuce, kale, and mushrooms.  The lettuces are prewashed, bagged, and ready to use.

Vegetables this week – broccoli, yellow squash, zucchini, potatoes, carrots, cukes, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, peppers, green beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes.

This will be the last week for our colorful cauliflower.  All of the heads ripened at the same time due to the warm weather, so come get some while you can!
U-Pick Herbs – This is the best time of year to use those recipes that call for fresh herbs!  You will find the herb listing on signs in front of each row.  Herbs include: cilantro, dill, basil, parsley, mint, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, and others.

Flowers – Cut your own bouquet from the terrace garden of flowers next to the parking lot this week.  Check in at the market first for scissors and directions.  Flowers do better when picked in the morning, before the stronger sun and heat of the day.
Baked Goods
We have lots of wonderful baked treats available!

In our freezer section, just “bake and enjoy”:
— Fruit pies in assorted farm fresh flavors.  Rhubarb pies are available for a short time longer.
— Stromboli’s – various types in breakfast, sandwich, and pizza styles.  These make an easy meal, especially when combined with a side salad.

Freshly baked:
— Assorted cookies, breads, muffins
— Our specialty breads: blueberry zucchini, vegetable, and cinnamon
— Donuts in buttermilk, blueberry, and cherry along with iced yeast donut rings decorated with sprinkles and “googly eyes”
— Cinnamon rolls, a favorite of many of our customers, available Friday afternoons through the Sunday, or until we run out!
Alcohol
Hard Cider and Wine Sampling – this Saturday, from 11 am to 1.  Stop by the market and try a sample of our hard ciders and wines.  We feature different ones for you to try each week.  Crystal, from the Kent Restaurant, will be back again this week.
Check out our assortment of alcohol products – wine, hard ciders, and spirits.  Our products are made on-site in small batches.  We distill the brandies on the farm and use our fresh apple cider as the basis for fermenting our hard ciders.

Blueberry season is the right time to enjoy a cold bottle of our Blueberry Hard Cider!  A semi-sweet, mouthwatering real blueberry juice blended with our signature dry apple cider for a bold yet balanced flavor.
Grocery
We have a great selection of local products we know you will enjoy:

  • Brown eggs from local farms
  • Amish Fry Pies from Yoder’s Deli, Centerville.  These individual, hand-held size pies are available in Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Strawberry-Rhubarb, Black Raspberry, and Red Raspberry.
  • Pork products from Jake’s Country Meats, Jones.
  • Gluten-free items from Gluten Free Sensations, Three Rivers.  Find cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, granola and more in the freezer section.
  • Oat Bites snacks and granola in several flavors.
  • Amish made jams, jellies, and salsas, made by Scherger’s Kettle, Shipshewana
  • Pure honey from bees buzzing just a couple of miles away at Babcock’s Apiary.
  • Maple syrup products including the new Barrel-Aged Bourbon Maple Syrup (non-alcoholic) made by Maple Row Sugarhouse using our bourbon barrels.
  • Olive oil, vinegar, and salad dressings
  • Snacking items: potato and tortilla chips, sweet potato chips, crackers, pretzels, flavored mustards, and snacking cheese.
  • Greek style freshly made yogurt in pints and quarts from Mattawan Creamery.
  • Locally made vanilla ice cream from Plainwell Ice Cream
  • Fresh, local, milk in gallons, half gallons, and single-serve bottles from Amish Country Dairy.  New: Blueberry milk single-serve bottles
  • Brown Butter Ghee and Salted Butter from Amish Country Dairy.
  • Dried cherries and blueberries, dark and milk chocolate covered cherries

These are our new Brown Butter Ghee and Salted Roll Butter.
Gifts
Check out our wide range of hand-crafted gift items and original artwork, most of it made by our local artisans.

  • Paintings
  • Jewelry
  • Kitchen items
  • Tote and shopping bags
  • Candles
  • Note cards
  • Seasonal lakeside living gifts
  • Corey Lake Orchard branded items – golf balls, insulated bags, notebooks, coffee cups, key chains, magnets
  • Corey Lake Orchard gift certificates
Inviting Spaces
While at the market, we invite you to take a moment and relax in our many outdoor spaces.  There are tables and chairs in the play area, tables set up in the “onion barn” and tables and chairs, coloring/games, and kids activities set up on the west side of the market that we call “the breezeway.”

Find a place to savor our baked goods and beverages like slushies, milk, coffee, hard ciders, and sodas while conversing with friends or families, or just taking a much-needed “escape”.  Please color a page and feel free to add it to our wall.

We also rent out the space for private events.  For more information on reserving the space, please see our event space website page or contact Brenda@coreylakeorchards.com.
‘Yoga at the Farm’ – Saturdays @ 10:30am
‘Yoga at the Farm’ is back for the summer each Saturday morning through August 17!  Join us for a rejuvenating and beginner-friendly yoga experience presented by Harmony Yoga Three Rivers!  Ages 8 and up (with a parent), all yoga abilities welcome.

Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 am
$20 per person, includes a small slushy.  Class is free for Harmony Yoga members; Class Pack Holders – use one of your classes.

–Registration through Harmony Yoga is recommended but not required.  To register or learn more go to harmonyyogatr.com/events.
–Parking:  Park west of the market and farmhouse by the greenhouses, next to the yoga yard.
–Check in with the instructor in the area in front of the farmhouse, next to the red truck.
–Please bring your mats as they have a limited number to borrow, bottled water, a beach-size towel, and shoes for walking to the class.
Thank you for your continued support and for buying local.
Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards wishes you a safe and
happy summer!
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